From the very first moment I met Mariah, I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and compassion. As a first‐time NICU mom, navigating the whirlwind of emotions from fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and at times, can feel like too much to carry. But Mariah has been a steady light during one of the most difficult times in our lives. Her presence alone brings peace.

She has shown my son and me an extraordinary level of care, empathy, and grace that goes far beyond her professional duties. One moment that will stay with me forever happened on a particularly difficult day. I was emotionally drained and struggling to hold it together. When Mariah came in that night, I opened up to her about the situation I was facing. Without hesitation, she stepped in. Not only to support me emotionally, but to help resolve the issue with so much kindness and understanding. Her calm and reassuring words, paired with her swift action, made all the difference. In that moment, she wasn’t just our nurse, she was our lifeline.

What stands out about Mariah is that her care is deeply personal. You can tell this is more than just a job to her; it’s a calling. She treats each baby and family with the same love and dedication as if they were her own. Her compassion doesn’t clock out. She brings heart to every shift and radiates hope on some of the hardest days a parent can face. Mariah is an incredible representation of the Northside NICU team. She embodies what it means to serve, to nurture, and to heal.

Our family will be forever grateful for her. In our time of greatest need, she was there. Because of her, we were able to breathe a little easier, sleep a little sounder, and feel a little less alone. She will always have a special place in our hearts.